Iranian negotiator says Iran doesn’t get concessions through talk, only ‘with missiles’
by Vaughn Cockayne · The Washington TimesMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, one of the main negotiators for Iran during peace talks with the U.S., said Tehran doesn’t expect to gain concessions from Washington through dialogue, “but with missiles.”
In a post on social media Friday, Mr. Ghalibaf said negotiations with the U.S. are merely a formality to “make them understand” Iran’s position following the war.
“We seize concessions not through dialogue, but with missiles; in negotiations, we merely make them understand,” he wrote on X. “The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war from the day after.”
Mr. Ghalibaf added that Iran does not believe in vocal guarantees from the U.S. or Israel and that only action will build trust.
The pessimistic comments come as the U.S. and Iran circle a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Reports on Thursday indicated that a deal had essentially been reached via Pakistani mediators, but that both sides were waiting for President Trump’s approval.
The deal reportedly includes provisions that would remove Iran’s blockade of the strait and a full return to commercial traffic levels within a month. In turn, the U.S. would remove its naval blockade of Iranian ports over several weeks.
SEE ALSO: Trump weighs 60-day plan to extend ceasefire, push nuclear talks with Iran
The deal would also create a 60-day ceasefire, during which time negotiators could discuss more complex issues, including a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program.
The U.S. has insisted that Iran completely abandon its nuclear ambitions by transferring its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium out of the country and dismantling is centrifuges. Iran has refused those demands, insisting that it has a right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to enrich uranium.
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Vaughn Cockayne
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